The United States, as one of the leading hubs for aviation activities globally, has a rigorous yet transparent system for aircraft registration, including those used for business purposes. The bedrock of this system is Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 47, which outlines the procedures, requirements, and nuances of registering aircraft in the U.S. This article aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the process of registering business aircraft based on these regulations.
1. Who Can Register an Aircraft? (47.7)
Business aircraft can be registered by:
U.S. citizens
U.S. governmental units
Resident aliens, non-citizen corporations with a U.S. citizen as a president, or a permanent resident with effective control, and the aircraft is based and primarily used in the U.S.
2. The Importance of Evidence of Ownership (47.8)
Every applicant must provide clear evidence of ownership. This is typically done through documents such as a bill of sale. This ensures that the rightful owner of the aircraft is registering it.
3. Consequences of Fraudulent or Erroneous Applications (47.9)
Applications must be accurate. The FAA holds the right to suspend or even revoke the registration if it is determined that false or erroneous information was provided intentionally.
4. Validity and Duration of Registration (47.11)
Once an aircraft is registered, that registration remains valid indefinitely, unless specific events (like the sale of the aircraft, destruction, or the owner's request to deregister) necessitate its termination.
5. Representation and Signatures (47.13)
Those registering the aircraft on behalf of the owner—like corporate officers for a business aircraft—must be clearly identified, and they have specific guidelines on signature requirements.
6. Special and Temporary Registration Numbers (47.15 & 47.16)
Businesses, often for branding or identity purposes, can request special registration numbers. There are also provisions for temporary registration numbers if needed.
7. Fees (47.17)
There's a fee associated with registering an aircraft, obtaining special registration numbers, or replacing a certificate. The exact amount may vary, so it's essential to check the current rates.
8. Address Consistency (47.21 & 47.25)
Registrants must ensure that the FAA has a current address on file. If there's a change in address, the FAA should be notified within 30 days to avoid potential complications or miscommunications.
9. Dealer's Registration Certificate (47.27)
For businesses that deal in aircraft trading, there's a provision for obtaining a dealer's registration certificate. This allows for the operation of aircraft temporarily for the purpose of testing or sale.
10. Registration Processes (47.31, 47.33, 47.35, & 47.37)
Depending on the aircraft's previous registration status, the CFR provides specific processes:
Aircraft not previously registered anywhere (47.33)
Aircraft last registered in the U.S. (47.35)
Aircraft previously registered in a foreign country (47.37)
11. Specific Ownership Scenarios (47.39 to 47.49)
The regulations further categorize registration processes based on the type of ownership:
Individuals (47.39)
Partnerships (47.41)
Corporations (47.43)
Co-owners (47.45)
Governmental units (47.47)
Trustees (47.49)
Conclusion Registering a business aircraft in the U.S. is a systematic process anchored in federal regulations. Ensuring adherence to the stipulated regulations in CFR Part 47 not only guarantees a smooth registration process but also ensures the legal operation of the aircraft within U.S. airspace. As with any legal procedure, if there's any doubt or complexity in your particular scenario, it's wise to seek consultation with an aviation attorney.